Packers strengthen defense with Quay Walker in first round

The Packers’ defense gets a little stronger with Quay Walker.

With the 22nd pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers have selected Georgia inside linebacker Quay Walker.

The middle of Joe Barry’s defense gets some help. After paying All-Pro De’Vondre Campbell, the Packers are getting him some help with Walker.

The 6-foot-4, 241-pounder is a phenomenal athlete and should see a lot of snaps early on in his career.

Many Packers fans will be disappointed not to see a wide receiver picked here, but the value just wasn’t there. Garrett Wilson, Drake London, Chris Olave, Treylon Burks, Jahan Dotson, and Jameson Williams were all gone before Green Bay’s top pick.

It made sense not to reach for a wide receiver. They can address that position later. Instead, focus on just adding a talented player.

For the first time since 2019, the Packers entered the draft with two first-round picks. That year, they selected edge rusher Rashan Gary at No. 12 overall before trading up for Darnell Savage at No. 21 overall. Both picks turned out well for Green Bay.

They’ve gone defense again here with Walker.

Overall, Green Bay has a solid track record of drafting in the first round under general manager Brian Gutekunst.

Gutekunst had selected Jaire Alexander, Rashan Gary, Darnell Savage, Jordan Love, and Eric Stokes in the first round prior to this draft.

That’s a strong group of Day 1 selections and should give Packers fans confidence in his choices tonight.

With so many picks to use this year, expect many more twists and turns on what should be a fascinating few days. One thing is for sure, the pressure is on Gutekunst to get this draft class right.

He will be hoping to land a couple of instant starters.

What are your thoughts on Green Bay’s first selection in the 2022 NFL Draft?